Having stayed at the Gran Hotel at the beginning of our trip (please see my review), I had hoped that we would end our trip at a nicer hotel before flying home. But that was not to be.

If the Gran Hotel was just OK, this one was not even OK. The room has a musty smell that could have come from the rug, or the bed sheets, or the walls, or just about anything. Having done lodging from prop-a-chair-against-your-door-at-night hostels to five-star hotels I am not your average ugly American who whines just about anything not found at home. But the very least I would expect from a hotel is a feeling of comfort, a place I could plop my weary body at the end of the day. This is not that place. I recommend bringing long pants and socks if you plan to sleep under the sheets.

Costa Rica is a gorgeous country and there is so much to do. Get out of downtown San Jose and see the rest of the country, as quickly as you deplane.

Hotel Balmoral was an EXCELLENT deal for just around $60. You're right in the middle of town, the adjacent restaurant is nice, the room is clean and well equipped, and the staff is purely Tico friendly.

We were starving at midnight -- and this is not the area to wander too long after dark. The bellhop went and got us the best chicken EVER. Pollo frito -- ask for it by name!

Definitely recommend the Balmoral -- it's everything you might want in a reasonably priced, centrally located place. Great breakfast too, and great bar!

Beautiful small hotel right in the center of everything. Easy walk to Zoo, to the Grand Hotel for lunch, to Teatro National and Cathedral. Staff treated us like "family". Rooms were large and clean. I stayed there two days at beginning of trip and one day at end. First room was near a street stairwell and a bit noisy until about midnight. Second room was interior and very quiet. HUGE bathroom with very large white tile shower enclosure. A pleasure in every way. Lobby is small but with lovely fresh tropical flowers. But, the included hot breakfast make the Balmoral a real standout! Made to order omelets that must use at least 3 or 4 of the farm fresh brown eggs ... I've never had omelets this good anywhere else. Wonderful buffet fruits, beans & rice, potatos, juices. A great way to start the day.

My original room was located next to a service stairwell which was noisy as employees carried on conversations between floors through this area. My friend's room was at the other end of the building, and he had the same problem.

After experiencing problems with my shower (all hot, then all cold, then no water at all) I requested a different room. I had aperfect shower on the first day in the new room, then had the same problem on the second day in the new room. My friend had this problem only on the third night of his stay.

This hotel is showing its age. The furnishings and fixtures are quite dated, and it felt very third-rate in quality as a result. Further, none of the three rooms had any view at all. The beds were too short and very uncomfortable. Navigating the card-key entry requires patience and perfect timing.

There are no safes in the rooms, so any valuables must be stored in a safe room in the lobby. Although the staff was always attentitive when entry to this room was required, it was a needless inconvenience.

The people who work at Balmoral were very nice. The free breakfast that was part of my package was good.

There are better values in downtown San Jose. The plumbing and furnishings are enough to prevent me from booking this hotel again.